Background enhancement in contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM): are there qualitative and quantitative differences between imaging systems?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the digital mammography imaging system on overall background enhancement on recombined contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) images, the overall background enhancement of two different mammography systems was compared. METHODS: In a retrospective single-center study, CESM images of n = 129 female patients who underwent CESM between 2016 and 2019 were analyzed independently by two radiologists. Two mammography machines of different manufacturers were compared qualitatively using a Likert-scale from 1 (minimal) to 4 (marked overall background enhancement) and quantitatively by placing a region of interest and measuring the intensity enhancement. Lesion conspicuity was analyzed using a Likert-scale from 1 (lesion not reliably distinguishable) to 5 (excellent lesion conspicuity). A multivariate regression was performed to test for potential biases on the quantitative results. RESULTS: Significant differences in qualitative background enhancement measurements between machines A and B were observed for both readers (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001). The quantitative evaluation showed significant differences in background enhancement with an average difference of 75.69 (99%-CI [74.37, 77.02]; p < 0.001). Lesion conspicuity was better for machine A for the first and second reader respectively (p = 0.009 and p < 0.001). The factor machine was the only influencing factor (p < 0.001). The factors contrast agent, breast density, age, and menstrual cycle could be excluded as potential biases. CONCLUSION: Mammography machines seem to significantly influence overall background enhancement qualitatively and quantitatively; thus, an impact on diagnostic accuracy appears possible. KEY POINTS: • Overall background enhancement on CESM differs between different vendors qualitatively and quantitatively. • Our retrospective single-center study showed consistent results of the qualitative and quantitative data analysis of overall background enhancement. • Lesion conspicuity is higher in cases of lower background enhancement on CESM.

Preoperative breast MRI positively impacts surgical outcomes of needle biopsy-diagnosed pure DCIS: a patient-matched analysis from the MIPA study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of preoperative breast MRI on mastectomy and reoperation rates in patients with pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). METHODS: The MIPA observational study database (7245 patients) was searched for patients aged 18-80 years with pure unilateral DCIS diagnosed at core needle or vacuum-assisted biopsy (CNB/VAB) and planned for primary surgery. Patients who underwent preoperative MRI (MRI group) were matched (1:1) to those who did not receive MRI (noMRI group) according to 8 confounding covariates that drive referral to MRI (age; hormonal status; familial risk; posterior-to-nipple diameter; BI-RADS category; lesion diameter; lesion presentation; surgical planning at conventional imaging). Surgical outcomes were compared between the matched groups with nonparametric statistics after calculating odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: Of 1005 women with pure unilateral DCIS at CNB/VAB (507 MRI group, 498 noMRI group), 309 remained in each group after matching. First-line mastectomy rate in the MRI group was 20.1% (62/309 patients, OR 2.03) compared to 11.0% in the noMRI group (34/309 patients, p = 0.003). The reoperation rate was 10.0% in the MRI group (31/309, OR for reoperation 0.40) and 22.0% in the noMRI group (68/309, p < 0.001), with a 2.53 OR of avoiding reoperation in the MRI group. The overall mastectomy rate was 23.3% in the MRI group (72/309, OR 1.40) and 17.8% in the noMRI group (55/309, p = 0.111). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to those going directly to surgery, patients with pure DCIS at CNB/VAB who underwent preoperative MRI had a higher OR for first-line mastectomy but a substantially lower OR for reoperation. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: When confounding factors behind MRI referral are accounted for in the comparison of patients with CNB/VAB-diagnosed pure unilateral DCIS, preoperative MRI yields a reduction of reoperations that is more than twice as high as the increase in overall mastectomies. KEY POINTS: • Confounding factors cause imbalance when investigating the influence of preoperative MRI on surgical outcomes of pure DCIS. • When patient matching is applied to women with pure unilateral DCIS, reoperation rates are significantly reduced in women who underwent preoperative MRI. • The reduction of reoperations brought about by preoperative MRI is more than double the increase in overall mastectomies.

Screening and diagnostic breast MRI: how do they impact surgical treatment? Insights from the MIPA study.

OBJECTIVES: To report mastectomy and reoperation rates in women who had breast MRI for screening (S-MRI subgroup) or diagnostic (D-MRI subgroup) purposes, using multivariable analysis for investigating the role of MRI referral/nonreferral and other covariates in driving surgical outcomes. METHODS: The MIPA observational study enrolled women aged 18-80 years with newly diagnosed breast cancer destined to have surgery as the primary treatment, in 27 centres worldwide. Mastectomy and reoperation rates were compared using non-parametric tests and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5828 patients entered analysis, 2763 (47.4%) did not undergo MRI (noMRI subgroup) and 3065 underwent MRI (52.6%); of the latter, 2441/3065 (79.7%) underwent MRI with preoperative intent (P-MRI subgroup), 510/3065 (16.6%) D-MRI, and 114/3065 S-MRI (3.7%). The reoperation rate was 10.5% for S-MRI, 8.2% for D-MRI, and 8.5% for P-MRI, while it was 11.7% for noMRI (p ≤ 0.023 for comparisons with D-MRI and P-MRI). The overall mastectomy rate (first-line mastectomy plus conversions from conserving surgery to mastectomy) was 39.5% for S-MRI, 36.2% for P-MRI, 24.1% for D-MRI, and 18.0% for noMRI. At multivariable analysis, using noMRI as reference, the odds ratios for overall mastectomy were 2.4 (p < 0.001) for S-MRI, 1.0 (p = 0.957) for D-MRI, and 1.9 (p < 0.001) for P-MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Patients from the D-MRI subgroup had the lowest overall mastectomy rate (24.1%) among MRI subgroups and the lowest reoperation rate (8.2%) together with P-MRI (8.5%). This analysis offers an insight into how the initial indication for MRI affects the subsequent surgical treatment of breast cancer. KEY POINTS: • Of 3065 breast MRI examinations, 79.7% were performed with preoperative intent (P-MRI), 16.6% were diagnostic (D-MRI), and 3.7% were screening (S-MRI) examinations. • The D-MRI subgroup had the lowest mastectomy rate (24.1%) among MRI subgroups and the lowest reoperation rate (8.2%) together with P-MRI (8.5%). • The S-MRI subgroup had the highest mastectomy rate (39.5%) which aligns with higher-than-average risk in this subgroup, with a reoperation rate (10.5%) not significantly different to that of all other subgroups.

Primary renal sarcomas: imaging features and discrimination from non-sarcoma renal tumors.

OBJECTIVES: To assess imaging features of primary renal sarcomas in order to better discriminate them from non-sarcoma renal tumors. METHODS: Adult patients diagnosed with renal sarcomas from 1995 to 2018 were included from 11 European tertiary referral centers (Germany, Belgium, Turkey). Renal sarcomas were 1:4 compared to patients with non-sarcoma renal tumors. CT/MRI findings were assessed using 21 predefined imaging features. A random forest model was trained to predict "renal sarcoma vs. non-sarcoma renal tumors" based on demographics and imaging features. RESULTS: n = 34 renal sarcomas were included and compared to n = 136 non-sarcoma renal tumors. Renal sarcomas manifested in younger patients (median 55 vs. 67 years, p < 0.01) and were more complex (high RENAL score complexity 79.4% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.01). Renal sarcomas were larger (median diameter 108 vs. 43 mm, p < 0.01) with irregular shape and ill-defined margins, and more frequently demonstrated invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava, tumor necrosis, direct invasion of adjacent organs, and contact to renal artery or vein, compared to non-sarcoma renal tumors (p < 0.05, each). The random forest algorithm yielded a median AUC = 93.8% to predict renal sarcoma histology, with sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of 90.4%, 76.5%, and 93.9%, respectively. Tumor diameter and RENAL score were the most relevant imaging features for renal sarcoma identification. CONCLUSION: Renal sarcomas are rare tumors commonly manifesting as large masses in young patients. A random forest model using demographics and imaging features shows good diagnostic accuracy for discrimination of renal sarcomas from non-sarcoma renal tumors, which might aid in clinical decision-making. KEY POINTS: • Renal sarcomas commonly manifest in younger patients as large, complex renal masses. • Compared to non-sarcoma renal tumors, renal sarcomas more frequently demonstrated invasion of the renal vein or inferior vena cava, tumor necrosis, direct invasion of adjacent organs, and contact to renal artery or vein. • Using demographics and standardized imaging features, a random forest showed excellent diagnostic performance for discrimination of sarcoma vs. non-sarcoma renal tumors (AUC = 93.8%, sensitivity = 90.4%, specificity = 76.5%, and PPV = 93.9%).

Magnetic resonance imaging before breast cancer surgery: results of an observational multicenter international prospective analysis (MIPA).

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can inform surgical planning but might cause overtreatment by increasing the mastectomy rate. The Multicenter International Prospective Analysis (MIPA) study investigated this controversial issue. METHODS: This observational study enrolled women aged 18-80 years with biopsy-proven breast cancer, who underwent MRI in addition to conventional imaging (mammography and/or breast ultrasonography) or conventional imaging alone before surgery as routine practice at 27 centers. Exclusion criteria included planned neoadjuvant therapy, pregnancy, personal history of any cancer, and distant metastases. RESULTS: Of 5896 analyzed patients, 2763 (46.9%) had conventional imaging only (noMRI group), and 3133 (53.1%) underwent MRI that was performed for diagnosis, screening, or unknown purposes in 692/3133 women (22.1%), with preoperative intent in 2441/3133 women (77.9%, MRI group). Patients in the MRI group were younger, had denser breasts, more cancers ≥ 20 mm, and a higher rate of invasive lobular histology than patients who underwent conventional imaging alone (p < 0.001 for all comparisons). Mastectomy was planned based on conventional imaging in 22.4% (MRI group) versus 14.4% (noMRI group) (p < 0.001). The additional planned mastectomy rate in the MRI group was 11.3%. The overall performed first- plus second-line mastectomy rate was 36.3% (MRI group) versus 18.0% (noMRI group) (p < 0.001). In women receiving conserving surgery, MRI group had a significantly lower reoperation rate (8.5% versus 11.7%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians requested breast MRI for women with a higher a priori probability of receiving mastectomy. MRI was associated with 11.3% more mastectomies, and with 3.2% fewer reoperations in the breast conservation subgroup. KEY POINTS: • In 19% of patients of the MIPA study, breast MRI was performed for screening or diagnostic purposes. • The current patient selection to preoperative breast MRI implies an 11% increase in mastectomies, counterbalanced by a 3% reduction of the reoperation rate. • Data from the MIPA study can support discussion in tumor boards when preoperative MRI is under consideration and should be shared with patients to achieve informed decision-making.

Evaluation of sonographic detectability of different markers within an in vitro simulation model of the axilla.

PURPOSE: Clip-marking of axillary lymph nodes with initial biopsy-confirmed metastasis is required for targeted axillary dissection (TAD), which includes sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) and selective localization and removal of the clipped targeted lymph node. There have been several studies which examined the feasibility of TAD in routine clinical use. In this context, the optimal clip visualisation was noted as one of the crucial limiting factors. We, therefore, evaluated the sonographic detectability of 10 different commercially available markers within an in vitro model simulating the anatomical composition of the axilla. METHODS: In this standardised model consisting of porcine fat with 30 mm thickness, the visibility of a total of ten markers was analysed in all 3 planes (parallel, diagonal, orthograde) with wire guidance and then classified into either "visibility good", "visibility moderate" or "visibility poor" with regard to the alignment of the transducer. Additionally, "real-life conditions" were simulated, in which the markers were searched without any wires guidance. RESULTS: It was observed that, while not all markers are detectable in fatty tissue, markers with spherical shape (non-embedded Inconel or Nitinol) or rectangular-shaped Titanium markers with embedded material have a clear advantage. 3D-shaped markers can always be detected in all three axes, which is of particular importance in the axilla with its pyramid shape and fatty tissue. CONCLUSION: The shape and the embedding of the material play a crucial role for visibility and efficacy of the marker, as reliable marking of suspicious and pathological axillary lymph nodes is essential for TAD.

Solving the preoperative breast MRI conundrum: design and protocol of the MIPA study.

Despite its high diagnostic performance, the use of breast MRI in the preoperative setting is controversial. It has the potential for personalized surgical management in breast cancer patients, but two of three randomized controlled trials did not show results in favor of its introduction for assessing the disease extent before surgery. Meta-analyses showed a higher mastectomy rate in women undergoing preoperative MRI compared to those who do not. Nevertheless, preoperative breast MRI is increasingly used and a survey from the American Society of Breast Surgeons showed that 41% of respondents ask for it in daily practice. In this context, a large-scale observational multicenter international prospective analysis (MIPA study) was proposed under the guidance of the European Network for the Assessment of Imaging in Medicine (EuroAIM). The aims were (1) to prospectively and systematically collect data on consecutive women with a newly diagnosed breast cancer, not candidates for neoadjuvant therapy, who are offered or not offered breast MRI before surgery according to local practice; (2) to compare these two groups in terms of surgical and clinical endpoints, adjusting for covariates. The underlying hypotheses are that MRI does not cause additional mastectomies compared to conventional imaging, while reducing the reoperation rate in all or in subgroups of patients. Ninety-six centers applied to a web-based call; 36 were initially selected based on volume and quality standards; 27 were active for enrollment. On November 2018, the target of 7000 enrolled patients was reached. The MIPA study is presently at the analytic phase. Key Points • Breast MRI has a high diagnostic performance but its utility in the preoperative setting is controversial. • A large-scale observational multicenter prospective study was launched to compare women receiving with those not receiving preoperative MRI. • Twenty-seven centers enrolled more than 7000 patients. The study is presently at the analytic phase.

Background parenchymal enhancement in pregnancy-associated breast cancer: a hindrance to diagnosis?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the detectability of pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) in lactating glandular tissue on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) by using pre- and post-contrast acquisitions and their derived postprocessed images and compare these results to ultrasound (US) and mammography (MG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the electronic database for women with PABC and existing breast MRI. MR images (T2-weighted short inversion-recovery sequence [STIR], dynamic contrast-enhanced T1-weighted gradient echo sequence and postprocessed subtraction images [early post-contrast minus pre-contrast]) were retrospectively evaluated (image quality, parenchymal/tumour enhancement kintetics, tumour size and additional lesions). Supplemental subtraction images (latest post-contrast minus early post-contrast) to reduce plateau enhancement were additionally calculated and tumour conspicuity and size were measured. Findings were compared to US and MG reports. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (range 27-42 years) were included. Background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) was minimal (n=1), mild (n=3), moderate (n=7) and marked (n=8) with kinetics measured plateau (n=8), continuous (n=10) and not quantifiable (n=1). Tumour kinetics presented wash-out (n=17) and plateau (n=2). Eighteen of nineteen tumours were identified on the supplemental subtraction images. All tumours were visible on US; 12/19 were visible on MG (63.2%). MRI detected additional malignant lesions in two patients. CONCLUSION: Despite high BPE of the lactating breast, MRI securely detects carcinomas and identifies satellite lesions. By using supplemental subtraction images, background enhancement can be eliminated to facilitate diagnosis. US remains a reliable diagnostic tool, but additional MRI is recommended to rule out satellite/contralateral lesions. MG interpretations can be difficult due to high parenchymal density. KEY POINTS: • Despite high background enhancement, MRI of the breast confidently detects carcinomas and identifies further lesions in the lactating breast. • By using supplemental subtraction images, background enhancement in the lactating breast can be eliminated to facilitate diagnosis. • US remains a reliable diagnostic tool. Mammography can be limited due to extremely dense breast tissue related to lactation.

Meningeal enhancement depicted by magnetic resonance imaging in tumor patients: neoplastic meningitis or therapy-related enhancement?

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of false-positive meningeal contrast enhancement in patients with solid tumors who were undergoing chemotherapy. METHODS: A total of 2572 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations of the brain were retrospectively evaluated by two readers for the presence of pathological meningeal contrast enhancement conspicuous for neoplastic meningitis. These patients either had malignant melanoma, breast or lung cancer, or lymphoma. The reference standards were cerebrospinal fluid cytology results and follow-up MRI. In cases with pathological contrast enhancement that decreased upon follow-up and non-malignant cytology, the enhancement pattern was further described as pial or dural, local or diffuse, or supra- or infra-tentorial. Moreover, the underlying therapy regimes were assessed. RESULTS: The final study cohort included 78 patients (51 females, median age 57 years), of which 11 patients (14.1%) had a repeated non-malignant cytology ('pseudomeningeosis'). In one case, this finding, a granular pleocytosis, was attributed to previous radiotherapy. Of the remaining patients, seven were receiving multimodal, immunotherapy-based therapy regimens. Patients with unsuspicious cytology had a predominantly supratentorial distribution pattern in comparison to patients with neoplastic meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: The overall prevalence of the presence of false-positive meningeal contrast enhancement is low (< 1%) and not associated with specific imaging patterns. We hypothesize that there is a possible relationship between immunotherapy and 'pseudomeningeosis'. Therefore, in all cases with suspected neoplastic meningitis, the cerebrospinal fluid should be analyzed to confirm the diagnosis, especially in patients undergoing immunotherapy.

[Rare case of palmar disc dislocation after wrist distorsion]. / Seltener Fall einer palmaren Diskusluxation nach Handgelenkdistorsion.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was the elaboration of clinical symptoms and image findings in injuries of the wrist and ulnar-sided pain with accompanying damage to the articular disc and the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This article reports about a 26-year-old male patient who presented to the department of surgery of this hospital after repeated falls onto the right wrist. Following the latest fall there was persistent wrist pain and limited movement, especially in supination. The physical examination showed pressure pain above the ulnocarpal complex; however, under forced pronation and supination no pain in the ulnocarpal complex could be triggered. RESULTS: Due to the symptoms damage to the TFCC was suspected and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination of the wrist was carried out. A TFCC damage reaching as far as the dorsal radioulnar ligament involving the dorsal suspension was demarcated with dislocation and displacement of the disc. For further differentiation of the damaged structures arthrography was performed and contrast medium containing gadolinium was injected into the joint gap. The imaging showed avulsion of the dorsal triangular disc from the dorsal suspension with volar dislocation. Treatment was continued with an arthrotomy by the formation of an ulnar pedicled capsular flap, the luxated TFCC was repositioned, central frayed and torn parts were resected and smoothed. Finally, the TFCC was refixed with two 3/0 PDS U­sutures. CONCLUSION: Ulnar-sided wrist pain can be caused by a variety of clinical pathologies, so that often no diagnosis can be made based on clinical symptoms alone and an imaging method is required; however, for a clear assessment of the ligament or joint injuries an MRI is necessary. Particularly for the evaluation of the TFCC injuries MRI is a sensitive diagnostic method. In the decision making, especially when atypical injury patterns are present, an arthrography should be performed in addition to MRI to obtain the best possible information on the anatomical circumstances. KEY POINTS: In cases of injuries of the wrist and ulnar-sided pain collateral damage to the articular disc and the TFCC should always be considered and excluded when appropriate. A dislocation of the disc at the wrist is a rare consequence of trauma but should be considered in the differential diagnosis. In cases of unclear MRI results and complex injuries of the wrist or unclear symptoms, MR arthrography can be helpful.

Magnetic resonance imaging of vaginal support structure before and after Vecchietti procedure in women with Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: It is unclear how pelvic floor supporting structures might be affected by the absence of the vagina. It was the aim of this prospective study to analyze the magnetic resonance imaging morphology of pelvic support prior and after a Vecchietti procedure in women suffering Mullerian agenesis (Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 26 women with a diagnosis of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome associated vaginal agenesis were recruited prospectively prior to the laparoscopic creation of a neovagina according to the Vecchietti procedure. The primary outcome measure was the magnetic resonance imaging morphology of supporting structures. Secondary outcome measures were anatomical and functional vaginal length. Follow up was conducted six months after surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-six women were analyzed. Mean age was 19.8 ± 4.4 years (±SD) and mean body mass index was 23.7 ± 4.3 kg/m2 (±SD). All were Caucasian. Supporting structures consistent with cardinal and uterosacral ligaments were visible on magnetic resonance imaging in all cases (100%). There were no levator ani defects. The vaginal apex could be visualized postoperatively in 12 women (46.2%) reaching up to Level I. The vagina was visible in both Level II and III with normal relations to the pelvic walls in all cases. On gynecological examination, vaginal length was 8.8 ± 2.1 cm (mean ± SD) anatomically and 10.2 ± 2.2 cm (mean ± SD) functionally. CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative presence of pelvic support structures into which the vagina is lengthened by the surgery likely explains the uncommon occurrence of vaginal prolapse in women who had the Vecchietti procedure.

Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography in patients with MRI contraindications.

Background Contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) is a novel breast imaging technique providing comparable diagnostic accuracy to breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Purpose To show that CESM in patients with MRI contraindications is feasible, accurate, and useful as a problem-solving tool, and to highlight its limitations. Material and Methods A total of 118 patients with MRI contraindications were examined by CESM. Histology was obtained in 94 lesions and used as gold standard for diagnostic accuracy calculations. Imaging data were reviewed retrospectively for feasibility, accuracy, and technical problems. The diagnostic yield of CESM as a problem-solving tool and for therapy response evaluation was reviewed separately. Results CESM was more accurate than mammography (MG) for lesion categorization (r = 0.731, P < 0.0001 vs. r = 0.279, P = 0.006) and for lesion size estimation (r = 0.738 vs. r = 0.689, P < 0.0001). Negative predictive value of CESM was significantly higher than of MG (85.71% vs. 30.77%, P < 0.0001). When used for problem-solving, CESM changed patient management in 2/8 (25%) cases. Superposition artifacts and timing problems affected diagnostic utility in 3/118 (2.5%) patients. Conclusion CESM is a feasible and accurate alternative for patients with MRI contraindications, but it is necessary to be aware of the method's technical limitations.

Impact of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt implantation on liver perfusion measured by volume perfusion CT.

Background Implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) induces changes of liver perfusion. Purpose To determine the changes in arterial, portal venous, and total perfusion of the liver parenchyma induced by TIPS using the technique of volume perfusion computed tomography (VPCT) and compare results with invasively measured hepatic intravascular pressure values. Material and Methods VPCT quantification of liver perfusion was performed in 23 patients (mean age, 62.5 ± 8.8 years) with portal hypertension in the pre-TIPS and post-TIPS setting, respectively. A commercially available software package was used for post-processing, enabling separate calculation of the dual (arterial [ALP] and portal venous [PVP]) blood supply and additionally of the hepatic perfusion index (HPI) (HPI = ALP/(ALP + PVP)*100%). Invasive pressure measurements were performed during the intervention, before and after TIPS placement. Liver function tests performed before and after the procedure were compared. Results Mean decrease of pressure gradient through TIPS was 13.3 mmHg. Mean normal values for ALP, PVP, and total perfusion (ALP + PVP) before TIPS were 15.9, 37.7, and 53.5 mL/100 mL/min, respectively, mean HPI was 35.4%. After TIPS, ALP increased to a mean value of 37.7 mL/100 mL/min, PVP decreased (15.7 mL/100 mL/min, P < 0.05), whereas total perfusion remained unchanged (53.4 mL/100 mL/min, P = 0.97). HPI increased (71.9%; P < 0.05). No correlation between invasive pressure measurement and VPCT parameters was observed. After TIPS, liver function tests were found to worsen with a significant increase of bilirubin ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Following TIPS placement, ALP and HPI increased in all patients, whereas PVP markedly decreased. Interestingly, the magnitude of decrease in portosystemic pressure gradients was not found to correlate with VPCT parameters.

Influence of stent implantation on erythrocyte aggregation in human native coronary arteries and saphenous vein grafts.

OBJECTIVE: Stent implantation into atherosclerotic coronary vessels induces the release of particulate debris and soluble vasoactive substances, which impair downstream microvascular function. Microvascular perfusion, however, is also determined by hemorheological parameters. We therefore analyzed now changes in erythrocyte (RBC) aggregation in coronary arterial blood during stent implantation. METHODS: Symptomatic male patients with stable angina pectoris and stenosis in their native right coronary artery (RCA) or saphenous vein graft on right coronary artery (SVG-RCA) were enrolled. Coronary arterial blood was taken before and coronary aspirate during stent implantation with a distal occlusion/aspiration device. RBC aggregation was determined using the erythrocyte adhesiveness/aggregation test. The ratio of clot-free area to whole area of a spread blood drop was quantified (rCFA). To evaluate the impact of soluble factors within aspirate plasma on RBC aggregation, separated RBCs of healthy volunteers were exposed to patients' coronary arterial blood and aspirate samples. RESULTS: rCFA was comparably increased in coronary aspirate of RCAs and SVG-RCAs after stent implantation (RCA: 25.7±2.1% vs 32.2±2.1%; SVG-RCA: 28.9±1.9% vs 33.3±2.0%, P<.01). The rCFA of healthy volunteers was increased after adding coronary aspirate plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Stent implantation into atherosclerotic coronary arteries induces an increase in RBC aggregation, potentially contributing to impaired microvascular perfusion.

Quantitative chest CT analysis in patients with systemic sclerosis before and after autologous stem cell transplantation: comparison of results with those of pulmonary function tests and clinical tests.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the course of SSc-related pulmonary abnormalities following high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) by quantitative chest CT analysis and compare the results with those of pulmonary function tests and the response of cutaneous involvement. METHODS: Chest CT quantification was performed before, directly after [0.49 years (sd 0.20)] and at a mean of 2.2 years (sd 2.1) following autologous SCT in 26 consecutive patients with SSc between March 2001 and March 2015. Quantitative CT used fully automated software to calculate inspiratory total lung volume, mean lung density, high attenuation value and their pulmonary distribution (core vs peel). All patients underwent pulmonary function tests. We additionally analysed parallels in the response of associated skin changes by using the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS). RESULTS: The forced vital capacity (FVC) course at 6 months was used to classify patients into responders [n = 20 (76.9%)] and non-responders [n = 6 (23.1%)]. FVC, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, vital capacity (VC) as well as single-breath diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide significantly improved (P = 0.03, 0.001, 0.001 and 0.013, respectively) in responders. At quantitative CT, total lung volume increased (P = 0.018), whereas mean lung density (P = 0.026) and high attenuation value decreased (P = 0.020) after autologous SCT in responders. Correspondingly, mRSS improved from 27.35 (sd 9.25) before to 10.81 (sd 8.64) after autologous SCT (P = 0.003) in responders. Changes in mRSS before autologous SCT and thereafter correlated significantly with those 24 months after autologous SCT (r = 0.575; P = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: CT quantification of lung volume and parenchymal attenuation in SSc patients presenting with alveolitis and fibrosis that undergo autologous SCT yields parameters that match well with those of pulmonary function and even clinical tests. It might therefore be used as a substitute marker in patients who are unable to adequately perform lung function tests.

Vacuum-assisted breast biopsy with 7-gauge, 8-gauge, 9-gauge, 10-gauge, and 11-gauge needles: how many specimens are necessary?

BACKGROUND: Published national and international guidelines and consensus meetings on the use of vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) give different recommendations regarding the required numbers of tissue specimens depending on needle size and imaging method. PURPOSE: To evaluate the weights of specimens obtained with different VAB needles to facilitate the translation of the required number of specimens between different breast biopsy systems and needle sizes, respectively. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five different VAB systems and seven different needle sizes were used: Mammotome® (11-gauge (G), 8-G), Vacora® (10-G), ATEC Sapphire™ (9-G), 8-G Mammotome® Revolve™, and EnCor Enspire® (10-G, 7-G). We took 24 (11-G) or 20 (7-10-G) tissue cores from a turkey breast phantom. The mean weight of a single tissue core was calculated for each needle size. A matrix, which allows the translation of the required number of tissue cores for different needle sizes, was generated. Results were compared to the true cumulative tissue weights of consecutively harvested tissue cores. RESULTS: The mean tissue weights obtained with the 11-G / 10-G Vacora® / 10-G Enspire® / 9-G / 8-G Original / 8-G Revolve™ / 7-G needles were 0.084 g / 0.142 g / 0.221 g / 0.121 g / 0.192 g / 0.334 g / 0.363 g, respectively. The calculated required numbers of VAB tissue cores for each needle size build the matrix. For example, the minimum calculated number of required cores according to the current German S3 guideline is 20 / 12 / 8 / 14 / 9 / 5 / 5 for needles of 11-G / 10-G Vacora® / 10-G Enspire® / 9-G / 8-G Original / 8-G Revolve™ / 7-G size. These numbers agree with the true cumulative tissue weights. CONCLUSION: The presented matrix facilitates the translation of the required number of VAB specimens between different needle sizes and thereby eases the implementation of current guidelines and consensus recommendations into clinical practice.

Factors Influencing Background Parenchymal Enhancement in Contrast-Enhanced Mammography Images.

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlation between background parenchymal enhancement (BPE) and various patient-related and technical factors in recombined contrast-enhanced spectral mammography (CESM) images. Material and Methods: We assessed CESM images from 62 female patients who underwent CESM between May 2017 and October 2019, focusing on factors influencing BPE. A total of 235 images, all acquired using the same mammography machine, were analyzed. A region of interest (ROI) with a standard size of 0.75 to 1 cm2 was used to evaluate the minimal, maximal, and average pixel intensity enhancement. Additionally, the images were qualitatively assessed on a scale from 1 (minimal BPE) to 4 (marked BPE). We examined correlations with body mass index (BMI), age, hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, cardiovascular conditions, and the amount of pressure applied during the examination. Results: Our study identified a significant correlation between the amount of pressure applied during the examination and the BPE (Spearman's ρ = 0.546). Additionally, a significant but weak correlation was observed between BPE and BMI (Spearman's ρ = 0.421). No significant associations were found between BPE and menopausal status, cardiovascular preconditions, hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, breast density, or age. Conclusions: Patient-related and procedural factors significantly influence BPE in CESM images. Specifically, increased applied pressure and BMI are associated with higher BPE.

Optimizing Image Quality with High-Resolution, Deep-Learning-Based Diffusion-Weighted Imaging in Breast Cancer Patients at 1.5 T.

The objective of this study was to evaluate a high-resolution deep-learning (DL)-based diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence for breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in comparison to a standard DWI sequence (DWIStd) at 1.5 T. It is a prospective study of 38 breast cancer patients, who were scanned with DWIStd and DWIDL. Both DWI sequences were scored for image quality, sharpness, artifacts, contrast, noise, and diagnostic confidence with a Likert-scale from 1 (non-diagnostic) to 5 (excellent). The lesion diameter was evaluated on b 800 DWI, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and the second subtraction (SUB) of the contrast-enhanced T1 VIBE. SNR was also calculated. Statistics included correlation analyses and paired t-tests. High-resolution DWIDL offered significantly superior image quality, sharpness, noise, contrast, and diagnostic confidence (each p < 0.02)). Artifacts were significantly higher in DWIDL by one reader (M = 4.62 vs. 4.36 Likert scale, p < 0.01) without affecting the diagnostic confidence. SNR was higher in DWIDL for b 50 and ADC maps (each p = 0.07). Acquisition time was reduced by 22% in DWIDL. The lesion diameters in DWI b 800DL and Std and ADCDL and Std were respectively 6% lower compared to the 2nd SUB. A DL-based diffusion sequence at 1.5 T in breast MRI offers a higher resolution and a faster acquisition, including only minimally more artefacts without affecting the diagnostic confidence.

Vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. / Impfassoziierte axilläre Lymphadenopathie mit Fokus auf COVID-19-Impfstoffe.

Axillary lymphadenopathy (LA) after COVID-19 vaccination is now known to be a common side effect. In these cases, malignancy cannot always be excluded on the basis of morphological imaging criteria.Narrative review for decision-making regarding control and follow-up intervals for axillary LA according to currently published research. This article provides a practical overview of the management of vaccine-associated LA using image examples and a flowchart and provides recommendations for follow-up intervals. A particular focus is on patients presenting for diagnostic breast imaging. The diagnostic criteria for pathological lymph nodes (LN) are explained.Axillary LA is a common adverse effect after COVID-19 vaccination (0.3-53%). The average duration of LA is more than 100 days. LA is also known to occur after other vaccinations, such as the seasonal influenza vaccine. Systematic studies on this topic are missing. Other causes of LA after vaccination (infections, autoimmune diseases, malignancies) should be considered for the differential diagnosis. If the LA persists for more than 3 months after COVID-19 vaccination, a primarily sonographic follow-up examination is recommended after another 3 months. A minimally invasive biopsy of the LA is recommended if a clinically suspicious LN persists or progresses. In the case of histologically confirmed breast cancer, a core biopsy without a follow-up interval is recommended regardless of the vaccination, as treatment appropriate to the stage should not be influenced by follow-up intervals. For follow-up after breast cancer, the procedure depends on the duration of the LA and the woman's individual risk of recurrence.Vaccination history should be well documented and taken into account when evaluating suspicious LN. Biopsy of abnormal, persistent, or progressive LNs is recommended. Preoperative staging of breast cancer should not be delayed by follow-up. The risk of false-positive findings is accepted, and the suspicious LNs are histologically examined in a minimally invasive procedure. · The vaccination history must be documented (vaccine, date, place of application).. · If axillary LA persists for more than 3 months after vaccination, a sonographic follow-up examination is recommended after 3 months.. · Enlarged LNs that are persistent, progressive in size, or are suspicious on control sonography should be biopsied.. · Suspicious LNs should be clarified before starting oncological therapy, irrespective of the vaccination status, according to the guidelines and without delaying therapy.. · Wilpert C, Wenkel E, Baltzer PA et al. Vaccine-associated axillary lymphadenopathy with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2024; DOI 10.1055/a-2328-7536.